Rotterdam The Hague Airport Takes Off with a Green Roof

From technical upgrade to architectural statement 

The expansion, designed by Moen & Van Oosten Architects, was far more than a technical update. The project solved three pressing issues at once: more capacity at the security checkpoint, improved baggage handling, and additional gate space behind passport control. Their approach focused on light, atmosphere and sustainability. The new departure hall feels open and warm at the same time, with high ceilings, glass façades and a domestic quality that has always been part of the airport’s charm. Two roof terraces were carved out of the extension, acting as funnels to bring daylight deep into the hall. The sloping roof ensures that views from the higher-level offices remain unobstructed, while the new façade connects seamlessly with the existing arrival hall. 

A green roof with multiple functions 

At the center of this sustainable design is a striking green gesture: a 1,750 m² Sempergreen Sedum roof, stretching across the new terminal wing. The green roof was installed by idverde using the traditional Sempergreen green roof system with pre-cultivated Sedum-mix blankets. From day one, the roof offered a lush green surface rather than bare substrate. For the airport, this direct-green result was not just an aesthetic win, but a functional one. Its benefits are many. 

The Sedum vegetation retains rainwater, reducing peak runoff during heavy storms — an increasing challenge in Dutch cities. It insulates the building envelope, lowering cooling demand in summer. And it supports biodiversity through a mix of flowering species that provide nectar for bees and butterflies throughout the year. 

Clean air in a busy environment 

Reliable supply for large projects 

Large infrastructure projects demand reliable partners. Delivering a roof of this scale requires more than design ambition, it demands a partner who can guarantee supply without delays. Thanks to its extensive nursery network, Sempergreen maintains one of the largest stock positions in Europe, allowing thousands of square meters of vegetation blankets to be delivered directly from stock. For Rotterdam The Hague Airport, this meant the entire roof could be installed quickly and efficiently, meeting tight construction schedules and ensuring the building opened on time. Reliability in supply is not a luxury for projects of this scale, it is essential. 

A view that inspires 

For travelers, the green roof adds a surprising dimension to their journey. As planes take off or land, passengers glimpse the lush vegetation from above, a clear visual signal that sustainability is part of the airport’s identity. From ground level, the vegetation softens the new architecture and enhances the sense of calm inside the hall. The roof demonstrates that infrastructure can be functional and welcoming at the same time. 

A valuable addition to the airport landscape 

With the expansion now complete, Rotterdam The Hague Airport combines efficient passenger flows with a building that is sustainable, resilient and future-ready. The Sempergreen Sedum roof contributes to biodiversity, cleaner air and passenger comfort, while proving that even large-scale infrastructure can become part of the solution to urban challenges. Backed by Sempergreen’s expertise and reliable stock, the project shows how nature and aviation can share the same space and how even an airport roof can take on a greener role in the city’s landscape.